Green Practices Intern

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Green Practices Intern for the Conservation & Education department from May to August 2025. This seasonal, hourly position involves supporting sustainability programs through waste audits, data collection, and enhancing communication. The intern will work closely with the Conservation Manager and Sustainability Coordinator, with a focus on conservation and operational knowledge. Candidates should have relevant coursework and strong communication skills.
GREEN PRACTICES INTERN

DEPARTMENT

Conservation & Education

CLASSIFICATION

Seasonal Non-Exempt (Hourly)

REPORTS TO

Conservation Manager

DIRECT REPORTS

N/A

DURATION

May- August 2025; up to 25 hours/week

STARTING PAY

$14.50/Hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under general direction, the Green Practices Intern will provide support for the Zoo’s Conservation and Sustainability programs. This position will primarily focus on evaluating waste streams, staff and visitor participation in sustainability programing, and energy use data collection, but may at times assist the Conservation Manager on other tasks. For this position, a waste stream is defined as the disposal or removal of a single product type from zoo grounds i.e. cardboard or electronics. This position will be supervised by the Conservation Manager, but will also work closely with the Sustainability Coordinator to complete data collection and waste stream audits.

This is a seasonal position, working up to 25 hours per week, approximately May-August 2025. Seasonal start and end dates may vary based upon individual availability and team needs.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties

Percentage

Audits and enhances sustainability programming, including:
• Performing waste audits.
• Identifying opportunities for improved signage and communication around sustainability programs.
• Participating in upcycling activities.
• Collecting data on carious waste streams and energy sources to enhance current programming.
• Organizing data sets for use by the Conservation department.
• Researching additional sustainability programming needs.
• Creating web content outlining KCZA green practices.

80%

Participates in various activities or projects to increase knowledge base surrounding Zoo operations, conservation, and workforce readiness, including but not limited to:
• Assisting Conservation Manager with various tasks/duties.
• Promoting and participating in KCZA’s conservation and sustainability events.
• Networking with other interns or Zoo professionals.

20%
• This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
• All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
• At least 2 years’ of college coursework strongly preferred.
• EXPERIENCE:
• Strong understanding of data collection and analysis preferred.
• Strong written, verbal communication and organizational skills desired. As well as the ability to relate to and interact with company personnel.
• Excellent creativity and adaptability.
• Takes initiative and has a strong work ethic.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and audio-visual equipment, desired.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, which could include weekends, holidays and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.